Sie haben etwas verloren
/ziː ˈhaːbən ˈɛtvas fɛɐ̯ˈloːʁən/word by word
The English phrase "you dropped something" can be translated to German as Sie haben etwas verloren.
This phrase is used to notify someone that they have accidentally let an object fall or that they have lost something.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, Sie haben etwas verloren means "You have lost something".
Which one should you use?
While English uses the verb "dropped" to describe the physical act of an object falling, the German phrase Sie haben etwas verloren focuses on the result: that the object is now lost. To specifically describe the physical act of an object falling from someone's hand or pocket, a German speaker might say Etwas ist Ihnen heruntergefallen.
How do you pronounce it?
/ziː ˈhaːbən ˈɛtvas fɛɐ̯ˈloːʁən/
Did you know?
- The word Sie used in the formal version of this phrase was originally a plural demonstrative pronoun in Old Saxon. It evolved from a word used to point things out into a way to show social respect to a stranger.
Examples in context
- Entschuldigung, Sie haben etwas verloren.Excuse me, you lost something.
Example conversation
Laura notices Felix dropped his wallet on the sidewalk.
- LauraEntschuldigung, Sie haben etwas verloren!Excuse me, you dropped something!
- FelixOh, mein Geldbeutel! Vielen Dank.Oh, my wallet! Thank you very much.
- LauraGerne, hier ist er.You're welcome, here it is.
- FelixDas ist sehr nett von Ihnen, Laura.That is very kind of you, Laura.
